Little Round Top - Ranger Matt Atkinson

Join Ranger Matt Atkinson for a tour of one of the most famous locations on the Gettysburg battlefield - Little Round Top. Explore the hill as Matt interprets the fighting that occurred there on July 2nd, 1863.

[gregorymacdonnell]

How can anyone NOT like Matt Atkinson as a Park Ranger who has so much knowledge of Gettysburg, and the ability to entertain tourists engaged for over an hour in this day and age of instant gratification? I don`t see anyone being disrespectful and talking or texting on their cell phones, or chatting, and being disruptive. I hope to one day meet the man, and take his tour on the field, no matter if it is Devils Den, Seminary Ridge, Picketts Charge, or Little Round Top. He is a superb guide, and must love his job greatly. Thank you Ranger Matt!

[Chris-mvzc]

As an Englishman I feel compelled to pay a visit to Gettysburg after watching documentaries and this video. Great work!

[JackFlemingFan]

Listening to Mr. Atkinson talk gives one the impression of being at the exact moment the battle of Gettysburg was occurring.  The US Park Service at Gettysburg is very fortunate to have Park Rangers like Matt Atkinson as an employee who really loves his job and loves history too.

[toneman]

Matt Atkinson is a great communicator and makes history come alive.

[uwantsun]

You're a damn fine field guide and narrator, Ranger Matt.

[windwaker]

34:02 young soldier reminds me of me when I was younger. I was about 9 years old when I went to Gettysburg, my mom bought me that very same sack coat and that very same kepi. I was wearing it at Gettysburg and when my grandfather ( who is a Vietnam era vet) saw me he snapped to attention and rendered a hand salute. That very moment sticks with me to this day. That opened my eyes to the study of history and of the concept that some things in life are worth fighting for.... Flash forward 11 years and I'm now serving in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantry-man. I hope this young lad had a meaningful and thought inducing experience in the sacred place that is Gettysburg.... PS to the kid, I wouldn't wanna be a Johnny reb either!

[Dan-n-Butters]

Gettysburg park rangers are the most interesting speakers I've ever heard, even though they told these stories hundreds of times, every time they tell it, they have as much enthusiasm as they would the first

[cmm]

Recognition to our excellent Park Rangers.

[tonynicholls]

As an ex-patriot Brit who is now a Canadian, and has been privileged to visit Gettysburg several times, I would like to say that, You, Ranger Matt brought vividly to life the bravery and horror that took place on those 3 dreadful days in July 1863. Thank you.

[steelpoet]

Im from Ireland and I'm fascinated with the battle of Gettysburg. This guy is so good at telling his story I have seen all his videos.

[conniecrawford]

Walking the fields of Gettysburg is extremely moving, esp. when you know the facts of the battle.Never forget the sacrifices these soldiers made!

[frankcarmack]

Matt Atkinson was was one of "Pickett's Bully Boys" in August '92, filming Pickett-Pettigrew's charge for KILLER ANGELS, er GETTYSBURG.

One afternoon, Martin Sheen was riding his horse back-and-forth in front of our brigade front, to get into character. All of a sudden the chant; "Lee, Lee, Lee" went up and very spontaneously, us reenactors started swarming towards him. (Glad he had control of the horse!).

The director was so impressed he had it RECREATED and captured it for the film. Im not sure if there was any camera following his initial ride by the brigade. It was a very inspired moment.

Afterwards, as time allowed, Sheen posed with each company in the brigade; having his picture taken and chatting briefly with each company as a "thank you" for the inspiration.

Steven Lang as Pickett, was also a very fine guy. As he was sitting on his horse, waiting for a take, he allowed reenactors to have pictures taken with him, shaking hands and posing "in character". Its the little things.

[michael]

I think the hard part about being a park ranger at such a famous place like Gettysburg is that everyone is an expert.

[patmancrowley]

I wanted to hand Ranger Matt Atkinson a tall cold bottle of water. What a great presentation! Thanks, Ranger Atkinson!

[whitespider]

As an Englishman fascinated by the American Civil War, I found your talk engrossing. You are one helluva speaker Matt and I could listen to your talks on the war all day.I know this video is six years old but I hope you are still doing these talks, you obviously get great enjoyment out of them.

[db]

Chamberlain and Spear were in fact good friends (Spear a best friend of Chamberlain's dead brother) during their whole lives. After Chamberlain's death, Spear took issue with some of Chamberlains descriptions of 2 battles in published magazines. Unknown to Spear, so did Chamberlain! The magazines had, in editing, added a lot of fluff. The Bayonet charge was probably one of those fluffs. Had Chamberlain lived and they got together to speak of it, no doubt an understanding would have been had of the evils of journalism and editors. Bottom line, 20th Main charged, Alabamans were overrun even if they were pulling back. Great presentation, I loved the humor. So many details, only deep reading can give you a probabilistic overview which the Ranger so well pointed out several times. I would enjoy his tour immensely and thank him for this video!

[tomquinn]

Kudos to this very good man that is so knowledgeable a guide. Preserver of precious history. Thank you sir.

[texashawk]

I've visited Gettysburg twice and at both times this beautiful fearful place has brought me to tears. As a Brit that became a Canadian some 47 years ago, I am both stunned and over awed by this place. Anyone who visits here, can't help but be affect by what those patriots from both north and south sufferedfor their beliefs. The U.S.A, has many many incredible places, I have been fortunate to vist some of them, But Little Round top is my most favorite plac eof all, dispite its horrendous history. Thank you Ranger Matt Atkinson for this wonderful narrative.

[suzannecerny]

This guy is great! I would love to see Gettysburg, feel Gettysburg, Ranger Matt makes me feel like I'm there, if I ever get there I hope I get a tour guide like Matt!!!

[rudolfrojas]

Ranger Atkinson is such an exemplary public servant who genuinely relishes his work in educating the public about such a seminal point in US History. People like him really bring these events to life and you can see from this video his audience is in rapt attention the entire time. I look forward to meeting him soon myself. Kudos to Tanner his historical stand in as well, impressive young gentleman.